Helen ShoreLearning Support (Hawkshead)

hshore@rvc.ac.uk01707 666029

Exam techniquesShort answer paper

MCQ

Revision strategies

The Facts

Paper One: Tuesday 15th December, 9.30am27 short answer questionsYou answer all questions in all sections

Paper 2: Tuesday 15th December, 2pmMCQ exam54 questions

The Short Answer Paper

What do you know about it?

Have a look at one before the day of the exam BLACKBOARD SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS (RVC_STUDENT_WELCOME) > PAST PAPERS >

BVETMED > YEAR 4 > NEW PAST PAPERS

Hard Copies are available in the library – ask the librarians

Read the instructions!

Candidates should answer ALL questions in ALL sections.   All questions are allocated equal marks and therefore

time should be distributed accordingly.

Each question is on a separate sheet of paper. Please answer each question in the space underneath the question.

Please ensure you write your candidate number in the space provided ON EVERY SHEET.

Time managementWork out how you are going to manage your

time

27 questions in 2.5 hours is roughly 5 mins per question (if you have extra time it is roughly 7 mins per question).

Although there will be some variation between questions if you are approaching 10 mins on a question leave it and move on!

Answer the questions!

Read each question carefullyDo use highlighters or underlining to clarify

what the question is asking you.

Make sure the answers relate to the questions

Make sure the answers relate to the way the questions are phrased

If you have time

Look back over the answersCheck your answers relate to the questionsTry to put something down for any questions

you have left blankExpand on questions you left part answeredAdd things which may have come to mind as

you completed other questions

Example question Production of saliva is important to the health of an adult cow.

Summarise in note form why this statement is true and what encourages a cow to produce sufficient saliva.

Production of saliva is important to the health of an adult cow. Summarise in note form why this statement is true and what encourages a cow to produce sufficient saliva. Statement Summarise in note form – do not write a paragraph or short essay, write notes Stick to this – no need for information about other things related to this

Example question With the aid of a simple diagram, explain how the structure of the

respiratory tract protects the delicate pulmonary alveoli from inhaled pathogenic agents.

With the aid of a simple diagram, explain how the structure of the respiratory tract protects the delicate pulmonary alveoli from inhaled pathogenic agents. Use a diagram to help explain Key words

With this kind of question it would be acceptable to produce a well annotated diagram or a diagram with some short notes beside/below

MCQsYou are very experienced and if you have a

technique that works, stick with it.

4 General Rules for an MCQ paper1. Answer every question2. While reading the question, cover the

answers3. Read each question carefully4. Don’t change your answers

Revision – a few tips for the last couple of weeks.Ways to use past papers

How long to study

What should you cover

Remember revision involves attempting questions, writing out definitions, proofs, drawing diagrams etc. and not just reading your notes over and over again.

In the examsTry to relax!Don’t spend too much time on any one

questionTry to put something down for each one

Only change answers if you are sure you were wrong initially

If you get a mental block, shut your eyes for a moment take a few deep breaths then get back to the paper.

Good Luck!

If you need support during the revision period or want to go through something on a one to one basis get in touchhshore@rvc.ac.uk01707 666029